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The past year has seen many twists in our supply chains, especially in remote global supply chains. This is causing managers to rethink the wisdom of sourcing products far from the end user and, with all the complications that come with it, exploring the idea of moving manufacturing back to the shores of the United States.
But that raises some questions. Is the United States ready? Is the United States ready to rebuild the vast manufacturing base and the labor force that underpins it was lost to Asia decades ago? And what will it take to get there? do you need?
To find out, Diane Rand, editor-in-chief of DCV’s sister publication, said: supply chain quarter, We recently spoke with Rosemary Coates, executive director of the Reshoring Institute, a nonprofit that provides resources to companies looking to bring manufacturing back to the United States.,A podcast co-produced by supply chain quarter and the Supply Chain Management Professional Council (CSCMP) conclude a three-part series on finding and retaining a top-notch workforce.
Q: Given the supply chain disruptions we’ve experienced over the past few years, more and more companies are considering reshoring manufacturing and production. But it raises concerns about the workforce. Specifically, whether the United States can provide enough skilled workers to support these businesses. How valid is this concern?
A: I think it works very well. In the early 2000s, we started moving production offshore to China. Along with this, the entire supply chain has moved, so the suppliers and so on all ended up in China. As production declined significantly during that period, we lost not only trained electricians and welders, but also skills such as tool and mold making. These were minimal trades during this period, and now that we are reviving manufacturing and rethinking manufacturing methods, we need to retrain people for these specialized jobs. Until I can do that, I think I’m going to be limp for a few more years.
Q: How can we overcome these labor-related challenges and enable reshoring?
A: We see needs and opportunities across the board from entry level manufacturing jobs to executive level positions in manufacturing and supply chain. But part of the problem, I believe, is that politicians, and much of our policy, is focused on jobs, jobs, jobs, when the real problem is training and education. We need to focus more on education to ensure that we have a trained workforce ready to step into the manufacturing environment.I think [burden] It mostly lands on the shoulders of community colleges across America.
We have a great system of community colleges, offering basic manufacturing and engineering crossover courses. Most manufacturing jobs today require math skills, expertise in computer operations, and an understanding of robotics. They’re not outright engineering jobs, but neither are they basic manufacturing jobs. Community colleges sit right in the middle of that space, and I think they’re going to take the burden off and train people in the next few years.
Q: Other than working with community colleges, what other best practices have you seen regarding training potential workers?
A: I know some disasters have happened because companies have decided to revive manufacturing but haven’t given much thought to where to find the skilled workers they need. It limped until it could develop a decent workforce.
I think best practice is to focus on pre-planning, not just training. What skills are required for a particular job, whether in a factory or a warehouse? How can we work with local educational institutions to produce workers capable of filling these roles?
Second, many cities and states now offer educational incentives, reimbursing companies for employee training.
So we are all on the right track. It’s just that you can’t snap your fingers and expect it to be done. It happens over time.
Q: Can technology and automation alleviate some of these labor shortages in the short term, and are they viable alternatives in manufacturing and distribution?
A: Of course. Automation is important because automation can unlock labor costs. As you know, labor costs are high in America. [with other countries] We couldn’t compete on labor costs. To solve that problem, we need to implement technology and extract that labor cost.
We can get the capital investment and there are ways to automate and redesign the production line, but we need to train the workers to run robots that put pegs in holes instead of pegs in holes. there is. They are different skill sets. More advanced skills are required to learn things like driving a robot or operating a machine tool. These are also higher paying jobs and are essential to rebuilding America’s middle class.
Q: Let’s say someone changes jobs and wants to find a supply chain job. they need training. How long does it take, on average, to acquire the necessary skills?
A: I think it’s a continuum. For example, if you are going to do a warehouse job, it will be more than just carrying boxes. In today’s environment, warehouse jobs are more likely to involve running robots that pick items from shelves and queue them for shipment. That’s another level of skill. For this kind of work, from her 18 months at a community college or technical training school he would be two years of training and a career path.
However, a continuum of work for supply chain professionals who help run global businesses typically requires a four-year degree. There are many excellent programs out there, and they are offered at colleges and universities across America.
In addition, we need strategists (usually people with MBA or master’s degrees in engineering) who can think globally about the strategic aspects of supply chain management.
Q: Thank you. As a mother of college-bound kids, I’m always talking about this industry, how great it is, and the many opportunities it offers.
A: It’s funny to say that. I have a grandson who just graduated from the University of Kentucky. I continued to encourage him to take his chain of supply classes while he was completing his degree in management and marketing from his school of business, but he was reluctant. Finally he did. Currently, he is looking for supply chain jobs.
I agree that the supply chain is interesting. It is also very global in nature, often offering the opportunity to travel around the world. We have all kinds of goods you need for your new job.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about the current workforce pool in North America?
A: I think companies understand the labor shortage. Unable to find skilled workers, especially in rural areas.
I think the bigger chasm we have to cross is more educational. That is, to make politicians understand that this is not just about creating jobs. It is to develop a skilled and trained workforce. Funding and focus should be given to training to fill current and future job openings.
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